Unipedicular vs. Bipedicular Kyphoplasty for the Treatment of Osteoporotic Vertebral Fractures

Unipedicular vs. Bipedicular Kyphoplasty for the Treatment of Osteoporotic Vertebral Fractures

Balloon kyphoplasty for the treatment of patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures has been shown to be successful in providing acute pain relief, enabling improved function, and restoring of vertebral body height. However, limited prospective data exists in the investigation of unipedicular balloon kyphoplasty as a sufficient alternative to bipedicular balloon kyphoplasty. The purpose of this prospective randomized study was to compare the clinical and radiographic outcomes of unipedicular and bipedicular balloon kyphoplasty.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Males or females older than 50 years of age with acute vertebral compression fractures causing significant pain and functional limitations in their daily activities.

Exclusion Criteria:

• primary tumors of bone or evidence of metastasis at the index vertebrae
• pre-existing chronic pain or functional disability unrelated to a vertebral compression fracture which would confound the data analysis
• fracture secondary to a traumatic event
• inability to fully visualize both pedicles of the fractured vertebrae on intraoperative fluoroscopy